Summary

We have sequenced genomic clones spanning the complete coding region of one heavy chain (beta) and the catalytic domain of a second (alpha) of the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii flagellar outer arm dynein ATPase. The beta heavy chain gene (ODA-4 locus) spans 20 kb, is divided into at least 30 exons, and encodes a predicted 520 kDa protein. Comparison with sea urchin beta dynein sequences reveals homology that extends throughout both proteins. Over the most conserved central catalytic region, the Chlamydomonas alpha and beta chains are equally divergent from the sea urchin beta chain (64% and 65% similarity, respectively), whereas the Chlamydomonas gamma chain is more divergent from urchin beta (54% similarity). The four glycine-rich loops identified as potential nucleotide-binding sites in other dynein heavy chains are also present in Chlamydomonas alpha and beta dyneins. Two of these four nucleotide-binding motifs are highly conserved among flagellar dyneins, but only the motif previously identified as the catalytic site in sea urchin dynein is highly conserved between flagellar and cytoplasmic dynein heavy chains. Predictions of secondary structure suggest that all dynein heavy chains possess three large domains, with the four nucleotide-binding consensus sequences located in a central 185 kDa domain that is bounded on both sides by regions that form multiple, short alpha-helical coiled-coils.

Pavan Vedula and Anna Kashina propose a new concept, the actin code, which encompasses the regulation of the essential functions of mammalian actins at the nucleotide level, rather than at the level of amino acids.

“To me, there are no real boundaries between chemistry, biology, physics and maths.”

Tony leads a group at the Mechanobiology Institute in Singapore, focusing on dissecting the structure–function relationship that underlies protein complexes that are involved in cell migration and adhesion. He shares his thoughts on why you don’t necessarily have to choose between the different branches of science that you find fascinating.

We also feature interviews with first authors of a selection of papers published in Journal of Cell Science, helping early-career researchers promote themselves alongside their papers. Check out our recent First Person interview with Julia Abitbol.

The second in our series of cell dynamics meetings now turns to organelles. This May 2019 meeting in Lisbon, Portugal, aims to bring together scientists studying the interface between organelles and the cytoskeleton at different scales and perspectives using a range of model systems. Find out more and register your interest here.

We are currently seeking proposals for four Workshops to be held in 2020. Do you have an idea for a Workshop? Please let us know and you could be one of our 2020 Workshop organisers. You focus on the science, we focus on the logistics. We are particularly keen to receive proposals from postdocs. Deadline date for applications is 25 May 2018.

Meet the preLighters! In the latest interview with our preLights community, the preLights team caught up with James Gagnon, Assistant Professor at the University of Utah, to talk about his research, how science can be made more open, his enthusiasm for the preLights project and the fun sides of being a junior PI.

Alexander García Ponce investigated how hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) cross the vascular wall and reach the bone marrow as part of his PhD project, with an aim to improving the outcome of HSC transplantation for individuals with leukaemia. A Travelling Fellowship from JCS allowed Alexander to advance his research at the Sanquin Blood Bank in The Netherlands. Read more on his story here.

Where could your research take you? Join Alexander and apply for the next round of Travelling Fellowships from JCS by 25 May 2018.